Which statement describes a chemical property of aluminum?

• A. Aluminum is a silvery-white metal.
• B. Aluminum has a density of 2.70 g/cm^3.
• C. Aluminum can be rolled into thin sheets.
• D. Aluminum reacts with oxygen to form aluminum oxide.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between physical and chemical properties: Physical properties can be observed or measured without changing the substance's identity, while chemical properties describe how a substance interacts with other substances, leading to a change in its chemical composition.
2. Analyze each statement to determine if it describes a physical or chemical property: For example, color, density, and malleability (ability to be rolled into sheets) are physical properties because they do not involve a change in the substance's chemical identity.
3. Identify the statement that involves a chemical change: The statement 'Aluminum reacts with oxygen to form aluminum oxide' describes a chemical reaction where aluminum combines with oxygen, changing its chemical composition.
4. Recognize that this reaction is a chemical property because it describes aluminum's ability to undergo a chemical change when exposed to oxygen.
5. Conclude that the correct description of a chemical property of aluminum is its reaction with oxygen to form aluminum oxide.